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Close-up of golden-brown Cheesy Chicken Fritters, perfect as a featured image for a delicious recipe.

Cheesy Chicken Fritters

These Cheesy Chicken Fritters are the ultimate comfort food, perfect as a quick lunch, satisfying snack, or fun appetizer. This recipe balances tender, juicy chicken with gooey melted cheese and a crispy, slightly crunchy exterior for a delightful culinary experience.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs Panko recommended
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil for frying

Equipment

  • Large bowl
  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Slotted spoon
  • paper towels
  • Spoon or small ice cream scoop
  • Splatter screen (optional)
  • Thermometer

Method
 

  1. Dice the chicken into small pieces (about 1/4 inch) or shred it.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the diced or shredded chicken, shredded cheese, flour, eggs, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
  3. Mix everything together thoroughly until well combined. The mixture should be thick enough to hold its shape when scooped.
  4. Pour about 1/2 inch of oil into a large skillet or frying pan. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches a temperature of around 350°F (175°C).
  5. Using a spoon or a small ice cream scoop, drop spoonfuls of the chicken mixture into the hot oil. Don't overcrowd the pan; fry the fritters in batches.
  6. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
  7. Once the fritters are golden brown and cooked through, remove them from the pan with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any excess oil.
  8. Serve immediately while they're hot and crispy.

Notes

For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the chicken mixture. Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or Gruyere. Fresh herbs like cilantro, chives, or dill can add a burst of flavor. You can prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. To reheat, microwave, bake at 350°F (175°C), or air fry until heated through and crispy. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For a healthier option, bake the fritters at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes.